What is choose? Pronunciation and usage in English

choose means . Learn how to pronounce and use choose through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of choose

chooseverb

/tʃuːz/
Definition & pronunciation of choose

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "choose" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (American & British):

  • ˈtʃuːz (This is the most common and generally accepted pronunciation)

Let's break that down further:

  1. ˈ (Stress Mark): This indicates that the first syllable is stressed – it’s the loudest and most emphasized part of the word.

  2. ch: As in "church" or "chair." It's a clear, crisp "ch" sound.

  3. uː (long 'oo' sound): This is the sound you make when saying "moon" or "blue." It’s a long vowel sound, held for a bit longer than a short 'u.'

  4. z: Pronounced like the letter "z" - a soft, zzz sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "choose" like "shoez." Many people mistakenly pronounce it like "shoe." This is a very common error!
  • Don’t shorten the “oo” sound. It’s crucial to maintain the long "oo" sound.
  • Practice slowly: Say the word slowly at first, focusing on each syllable and sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "choose" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/choose/ - This website has audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce choose" on YouTube – you'll find many helpful videos.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which accent are you most interested in? (e.g., American, British, Australian)

Usage and examples with the word choose in English

Let's break down how to use the word "choose" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances!

1. Basic Meaning: To Select

  • Core Function: At its most basic, "choose" means to select one thing from a group of options.

    • Example: "I need to choose a restaurant for dinner." (You're selecting from a list of restaurants.)
    • Example: "She had to choose between going to the party or staying home." (Selecting one option over another.)

2. Using "Choose" with Different Constructions

  • "Choose between… and…": This is a very common way to use "choose." It directly compares two options.

    • Example: "Would you choose between coffee and tea?"
    • Example: "He had to choose between a new job and staying with his family."

  • "Choose something/someone…": Used when you’re selecting a specific thing or person.

    • Example: "Please choose a book from the shelf."
    • Example: “I’m going to choose my best friend to be my bridesmaid.”

  • "Choose to…": This implies a conscious decision or deliberate action. It’s about choosing to do something.

    • Example: "I choose to study every evening." (You've consciously decided to study.)
    • Example: "She chose to forgive him." (She actively decided to forgive.)

  • "Choose for…": Used when you’re selecting something on behalf of someone else.

    • Example: "The teacher will choose a winner for the scholarship." (The teacher is selecting from a group of applicants.)

3. Grammar Points:

  • "Choose" is a transitive verb: This means it takes an object. You don't just "choose"; you choose something.
  • "Choose" can be followed by "to": As seen above, "choose to" is a common structure.
  • "Choose" can be followed by “between”/“among”: "Between" is used for two options, “among” is used for three or more.

4. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings):

  • Select
  • Decide
  • Opt
  • Pick
  • Determine
  • Choose (itself – sometimes a slightly more formal version)

Let's look at some example sentences showing different ways to use it:

  • "I'm not sure which movie to watch. Do you want me to choose?" (Asking for help in making a decision)
  • "The company needs to choose a new marketing director." (A formal decision about a role)
  • "She chose a purple dress for the party." (Selecting a particular item)
  • “He chose to volunteer at the animal shelter.” (Making a deliberate decision)

Resources for Further Practice:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., casual conversation, formal writing, specific situations like making a decision at work?)

Synonyms for the word choose

Idioms of the word choose

pick and choose
to choose only those things that you like or want very much
  • You have to take any job you can get—you can't pick and choose.
there is nothing/not much/little to choose between A and B
there is very little difference between two or more things or people

    Practice with vocabulary choose

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. It’s important to __________ your words carefully when giving feedback.
    2. She couldn’t decide whether to stay home or go out, so she let her friend __________.
    3. The committee will __________ the final design from the three options presented.
    4. He always tries to __________ the best solution, even in difficult situations.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. What should you do when selecting a career path?
      a) decide
      b) choose
      c) ignore
      d) avoid

    2. Which word means to pick from a set of options?
      a) select
      b) reject
      c) choose
      d) forget

    3. How can you ensure a balanced meal?
      a) skip breakfast
      b) choose a variety of foods
      c) eat only one type of food
      d) avoid planning

    4. What is a synonym for "decide"?
      a) refuse
      b) select
      c) hesitate
      d) ignore

    5. Which action is necessary when voting?
      a) choose a candidate
      b) remain neutral
      c) avoid opinions
      d) skip the process

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: She picked the red dress for the party.
      Rewrite: She __________ the red dress for the party.

    2. Original: They decided to go on a trip to the mountains.
      Rewrite: They __________ to go on a trip to the mountains.

    3. Original: He selected the most cost-effective option.
      Rewrite: He __________ the most cost-effective option.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. choose
    2. choose
    3. select
    4. pick

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) choose
    2. a) select, c) choose
    3. b) choose a variety of foods
    4. b) select
    5. a) choose a candidate

    Exercise 3:

    1. She chose the red dress for the party.
    2. They chose to go on a trip to the mountains.
    3. He picked the most cost-effective option.

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